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According to Aus-e-Tute, the lattice structure of ionic solids is arranged such that cations are surrounded by anions. The lattice arrangement causes many ionic solids to have crystalline structures. When the lattice structure shifts due to a stressor, it causes ions of identical charge to be brought closer together. Since ions of the same charge repel each other, the lattice structure breaks down. According to IB Chemistry, breaking crystalline structures causes a break along cleavage planes.

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The majority of metals listed on the period table of elements are solids at room temperature or 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, with mercury being an exception since it solidifies at -38.2 degrees. Metals such as cesium, francium and gallium are listed as liquids on the periodic table of elements because they melt at temperatures of between 80.6 F and 98.6 degrees.

Most solids, liquids and gases expand when they are heated because the molecules that make up the substance move more rapidly, which puts more distance between each of the molecules. This property of matter hold true irrespective of the state of matter in most cases. There are exceptions to this general rule; water, for example, expands when it transitions from liquid to solid form.

Whether the solute is a solid or gas, its solubility in water is dependent on temperature such that an increase in temperature can make solids more soluble while gases become less soluble. This means that if the temperature of water is increased by heating it, then the solid solute will dissolve more quickly. However, for gases dissolved in water, the reverse occurs and solubility decreases with an increase in water temperature.